Choosing an Appellate Body Member is Becoming Difficult

The Chair of the DSB updated WTO members on the process for replacing the Appellate Body member David Unterhalter (South Africa) who ended his second four-year term in December last year. The DSB took note of the communication by the Selection Committee informing WTO members that the Committee was unable to recommend a candidate for the vacant position on the Appellate Body. The Committee recommended that the DSB commence as soon as practicable a new selection process, to be carried out by the Director-General and the 2014 chairs. Several members showed disappointment because of the lack of consensus in selecting a candidate, and the majority of those that spoke rejected a suggestion by Kenya to resolve the deadlock by resorting to a vote. Those members expressed support for the principle of consensus that governs the WTO's decision-taking.

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The Chair of the DSB updated WTO members on the process for replacing the Appellate Body member David Unterhalter (South Africa) who ended his second four-year term in December last year. The DSB took note of the communication by the Selection Committee informing WTO members that the Committee was unable to recommend a candidate for the vacant position on the Appellate Body. The Committee recommended that the DSB commence as soon as practicable a new selection process, to be carried out by the Director-General and the 2014 chairs. Several members showed disappointment because of the lack of consensus in selecting a candidate, and the majority of those that spoke rejected a suggestion by Kenya to resolve the deadlock by resorting to a vote. Those members expressed support for the principle of consensus that governs the WTO's decision-taking.